Update

Well, Thanksgiving here was none too eventful. Eric worked all day and night and slept the next day. And then he went back and worked again all weekend. So that was really fun. ;D


My saving grace was that some people invited me to their Thanksgiving dinner and all I had to do was do drinks . . . for 30 something. Luckily, being Mormon, no alcohol is involved in "drinks" so that helped me budget wise. I made a delicious banana citrus crush type drink where you add 7 up. It resembles a daiquiri. Plus I brought the usual 2 liters and water with lemon graced the tables. I was highly complimented on it and consider it a success!

Although I was unsuccessful in remembering to take pictures til after the festivities had ended.

On another note--check out those thighs! I think Sierra's thighs definitely beat out the turkey ones we feasted on. Lucky girl, she got those from me. :)


Also, we brought out our bouncer seat for the girls' dolls to pretend. But Sierra fully claims it (maybe she has newborn memories of the countless hours she slept/spent here as it was the only thing that soothed her colic). She just climbs her little hiney on up there and is as happy as anything.

Bella, on the other hand, decided to take a little nap here before Thanksgiving dinner. She was so excited and kept asking me when we were going and got all ready in this cute dress and leggings. But as you see, sleep got the best of her watchful waiting. I felt so bad for her but had to take a picture and then helped her move!

And here's one more just cause I can't get enough of those thighs that are all covered up (usually) this winter!!

Today I Woke Up and My Heart Ached

For a place to call home.

(no, I did not do that screaming crazy thing that Belle does in New Moon-- a little dramatic I think). But I do feel like there is a bit of a void in my heart that is not yet filled from moving from a place we loved.

Somehow, we're not here yet. And Eric working tons doesn't help.

I'm trying to make friends. I make phone calls, send emails, extend invitations. . .

When we moved out here I told myself it takes at least 6 months to make it feel like home.

But it's a long six months.

I'm glad we're flying "home" to Utah for Christmas. That will do my heart some good so I don't

have to spend another holiday alone.

I need to remember this feeling so I can help others as well as cultivate the "longing for home" in the eternal sense.

Christmas Cards?!

Hey peeps!

It's that time of year, so if you want a picture or two headed your way for the holiday season, drop me a line of your name and address and you'll be added to our Christmas card mailing list!

Leave your info in the comments or email me at rachel.o.freeman@gmail.com

Much love!
~R

Motivation

Any good ideas out there for getting a 3 year old to do their "chores?" (i.e. getting dressed, putting clothes away, emptying the utensils, etc.)

1, 2, 3 Magic tends to work for negative behavior.

But how do you motivate your kids to do good things?! I was thinking of a chore chart with stickers. . . .

If any of you have already blogged about this can you give me the link to that post?

Danke!

Here's a fun pic E clicked one night as B and I were both "checking our email." I know--I look super excited don't I? B's email consists of plunking on Word on the retired lap top that moves at about 1 word per minute. But she's super into it and I'm glad it makes her happy.

Quote of the Day

‘Today, in a quiet grove at Valley Forge, there is a heroic-sized monument to Washington. He is depicted not astride a charging horse nor overlooking a battlefield of glory, but kneeling in humble prayer, calling upon the God of heaven for divine help. To gaze upon the statue prompts the mind to remember the oft-heard expression, “A man stands tallest when upon his knees.”

“Unfortunately, prosperity, abundance, honor, and praise lead some men to the false security of haughty self-assurance and the abandonment of the inclination to pray. Conversely, turmoil, tribulation, sickness, and death crumble the castles of men’s pride and bring them to their knees to plead for power from on High. Well might the younger generation ask, 'But what about today? Does he still hear? Does He continue to answer?' To which I promptly reply: “There is no expiration date on the Lord’s injunction to pray. As we remember Him, He will remember us.”
~Thomas S. Monson

Cake on her Face?!

Does SOMEONE have cake on her face? !

That's right! Less than a month til this monkey is one!

Where does time fly!?

Sorry

Sorry. No Blogee.

Have guestees.

Ron and Sonee.

Too much funee.

Maybe in a few days.

When they leave. :(

But don't remind meeeeeeeeee.

Here's a pic of B blowing out candles on my birthday.


Thanks Belly. For the help. Love YOU LOTS!